no large properties available except deep in dodgy council estate...

[sursulapitschi]

we have saved up a deposit, would be able to get a good amount of money from the bank. with 2dc we would like to get a property in our area that has 2reception 3bedrooms or 4 bedrooms. the only places that are available are either in dodgy council estates or in private development, gated community type (out of our reach).
so annoyed. there are pokey 3bed places available that really can only be called 2bed (box room declared as bedroom).
would you look further away or at ex-council anyway?

Some ex-local authority homes are great. It just depends on the location.

What are your priorities?
Schools, garden, off-road parking, traffic?

priorities: commute, inside space. garden/balcony would be nice but we can live without.

i'd probably get a 2 bed place and extend. Turn the garage into another reception and put extra bedroom on top for example. If your area is really short of reasonably priced 3 beds then you would probably get your money back.

If your commute is important then I would hold out for the best location, or as witchwith says, look for potential properties to extend like bungalows with the potential to go into the loft.